What is the difference between "Master" and "Shifu"?

Master, in ancient times, is the common name for teachers, but also for the monk's honor. Respect for teachers has always been the fine tradition of the Chinese nation, as the saying goes: "I was born of my parents, teach me my master", in ancient times, teachers and students like father and son, the teacher is really teaching, the students are really doing, the teacher as their own children, the students take the teacher as their second parents. The teacher's children and grandchildren, family affairs. The teacher's children and grandchildren, family affairs, students will help take care of the student's family has any difficulties, teachers and students will also help take care of, like a family as close.

Even some professions, once worshiped the master, must be fully disciplined by the master, as parents can not interfere, and even a few years can not meet with their children. By the Han and Tang dynasties, in order to reflect the importance people attach to this teacher-student relationship, gradually formed a formal ritual to worship the master, called the ritual to worship the master, disciple to worship the master should give the master to perform the three worship nine kowtow salute, and to kneel to offer the red packet and worship sticker , as well as other specific etiquette, not to say more here.

We read the Analects of Confucius, and it is very touching to see how Confucius and his disciples were really like teachers and fathers. Many of Confucius' disciples were from poor backgrounds, such as Yan Hui, who lived a frugal life and relied on his classmates to help him with his funeral. After the death of Confucius, Zigong and his classmates for Confucius mourning for three years, and then Zigong in front of the grave of Confucius built a hut, and then alone to guard the grave for three years, a **** six years, this is how deep the feelings of teachers and students ah! By now, the word master is basically only used as an honorific for monks, monks, nuns and Taoist priests.

Master, in ancient times, is the apprentice to teach their skills of the person's title of honor, there is a certain amount of emotion within; also to some professional craftsmen's title of honor; to the present, we are on the ordinary male laborers, but also customary title of honor for the master.

For example, in ancient times, the teacher of the crown prince was called Tai Shi, Tai Fu, Shao Shi, Shao Fu, all of which are honorific titles for teachers. Certain ones with specialized skills are also called masters to show respect, for example: master driver, master carpenter, master shoe repairer, master electric car repairer, and so on.